We hear it in all families, often at the worst moment: \u00abSabr, it will pass.\u00bb After a failure on an exam, a mountain of paperwork, a family illness, a bereavement. The word seems simple, almost resigned. In reality, sabr is one of the richest concepts in Islam, and one of the most present in the Quran.<\/p>\n
Sabr<\/strong> (Patience<\/span>) translates as \u00abpatience\u00bb, but the Arabic word goes further. It comes from a root that evokes the act of holding back, containing, and maintaining one\u2019s composure. Sabr means to maintain self-control in the face of what is troubling us: not letting oneself be carried away by anger, not giving up, not losing trust in God.<\/p>\n This is therefore not passive patience; it is endurance, consistency, and a form of silent courage.<\/p>\n O you who have believed! Seek help through patience and prayer; indeed Allah is with those who patiently persevere.<\/p>\n \u00abO you who have believed! Seek help in patience and prayer. Allah is with those who are patient.\u00bb<\/p>\n Quran, Surah Al-Baqara (2), verse 153 \u00b7 translation of the meaning<\/cite>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Scholars traditionally distinguish three forms of patience:<\/p>\n For those who live their faith in a minority in Europe, the second and third places take on a special significance. It sometimes takes courage to remain true to oneself at work, in school, and in the eyes of others.<\/p>\n The sabr appears nearly ninety times in the Quran, according to the account attributed to Imam Ahmad. Some verses that many know by heart:<\/p>\n For with difficulty comes ease; indeed, with difficulty comes ease.<\/p>\n \u00ab Besides the difficulty, there is certainly also a certain ease. Yes, besides the difficulty there is also a certain ease.\u00bb<\/p>\n Quran, Surah Ash-Sharh (94), verses 5 and 6 \u00b7 translation of the meaning<\/cite>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u00abAnd make the right announcement to the steadfast ones, who say when adversity befalls them: \u00bbWe belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.\"<\/p>\n Quran, Surah Al-Baqara (2), verses 155 and 156 \u00b7 translation of the meaning<\/cite>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n This phrase, Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji\u2019un<\/em> (To God belongs all praise and to Him we return.<\/span>), it is pronounced when announcing a death, but also for smaller losses. It puts things in their place.<\/p>\n The Quran also promises an extraordinary reward: \u00abThe persevering will have their full reward without counting\u00bb (Surah Az-Zumar, 39, verse 10). And when the Prophet Yaqub learns of the disappearance of his son Yusuf, he responds with two words that have become famous: Sabrun Jamil<\/em> (Beautiful patience<\/span>), \u00aba beautiful patience\u00bb (Sura Yusuf, 12, verse 18). He repeats it years later, when his other son, Binyamin, is held captive in Egypt (verse 83). A patience without complaint against God, without bitterness.<\/p>\n\n
The three forms of sabr<\/h2>\n
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What the Quran says about patience<\/h2>\n
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